Sports equipment bag

ABSTRACT

A sports equipment bag ( 10 ) having a water-resistant outer shell ( 12 ) with multiple ventilation assemblies ( 25 ) for exposing the interior of the bag to free air circulation. Each ventilation assembly includes an opening formed in the outer shell ( 12 ) that is covered by a mesh lining ( 42 ) and a flap ( 30 ) which can be selectively opened and closed using a zipper ( 93 ). In one embodiment, the bag ( 10 ) includes openings on both sides ( 16, 18 ) and both ends ( 20,22 ) of the bag ( 10 ). In an alternate embodiment the bag ( 57 ) includes openings ( 66 ) on both sides only. In another alternate embodiment, the bag ( 68 ) includes a vent ( 73 ) at one end and a fan assembly ( 80 ) located at the other end ( 74 ). The fan assembly ( 80 ) includes an electric fan ( 76 ) which draws air through the interior of the bag through a vent ( 73 ) located on the opposing end of the bag ( 68 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a bag for carrying sports equipment toand from an athletic event.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] When a person is engaged in an organized sport, such asbasketball, hockey, baseball, football, track, tennis, etc., uniformsand other equipment must be carried to and from the contest. Whileplaying, athletes sweat, causing their uniforms to become wet andsmelly. After the game, the players shower, but their uniforms andequipment do not. Instead, they are thrown into a bag for transporthome. Sometimes it is days before they are unpacked for cleaning.Mildew, odors, and deterioration of clothing result, conditions whichare alleviated by the disclosed invention.

[0003] In addition, sports equipment, e.g., shoes, pads, balls, pucks,racquets, etc., often become wet and/or dirty. It is desirable to beable to convey them safely without soiling the environment around them,such as the bus, car, or house through which they travel before they canbe cleaned.

[0004] Prior inventors have addressed some of these issues. Arepresentative sample known to the inventor follows:

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 1,251,404 issued to Mills discloses a beach baghaving a top compartment for receiving wet swimsuits, towels, etc.,connected to a lower, water-tight compartment by means of apertures in adividing wall. Dripping wet items drain their fluids through theapertures into the lower compartment where they are trapped until thereservoir can be emptied through a closable outlet. While loose liquidscan drip from the wet items, the items themselves do not dry. Theyremain moist and subject to mildew and rot, until they are removed fromthe beach bag.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,264,755 issued to Moore discloses a clothesdrying bag in which a fluid-tight bag is divided into two compartments:one, a pressure compartment selectively attached through an openconnector to the outlet hose of a hair dryer, and two, a dryingcompartment into which wet clothing is placed. Venturi ports connect thetwo compartments which allow heated air to be forced through thecompartments to escape through eight small holes at the top of thesecond compartment. Until the hair dryer is attached, the clothes remaindamp and sealed in a virtually air tight bag. However, loose water isfree to drain out indiscriminately through the holes and the openconnector onto whatever is near.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,073 issued to Hendon discloses a cottonharvesting bag made of waterproof material for storing newly harvestedcotton. A pair of vents, with oversized flaps loosely hanging over themto “rainproof” the cotton, provides “for air circulation through bag 10. . . commensurate with waterproofing.” The thrust of the patent is toprevent the cotton from becoming wet, for in spite of the vents, the bagis unsuited for drying wet cotton.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,842 issued to Mokiao, U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,897issued to Sperber, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,296 issued to Mastersdisclose bags with mesh exterior walls so that wet items, e.g.,wetsuits, in their internal compartments can dry. There are no meansprovided for covering the mesh in order to seal the interiorcompartments. Consequently, moisture and dirt can enter through themesh, and odors can egress therefrom. Being exposed, the mesh is subjectto damage by being snagged on passing objects.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,150 issued to Bearman discloses a beach baghaving a fluid impervious outer bag and a smaller internal mesh bag. Wetbeach clothing, towels, etc., are placed in the mesh bag where the sandthereon can sift through the mesh into the outer bag. The outer bag hasa pair of openings, one in the top for entry into the mesh bag and onein the bottom for dumping the sand from the beach bag. Bearman does notcontemplate the problem of drying the clothing while in the bag, and thetwo openings, normally closed, would be insufficient even if opened toallow the clothing to dry.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,199 issued to Clement discloses a sportsequipment bag having a water resistant outer bag and a removable innermesh bag. The outer bag has external pockets for such items as shoes andother sports equipment. Sweaty uniforms and other wet equipment areplaced in the mesh bag for transport. Should the athlete not take thetime to remove the mesh bag, it remains totally confined in the outerbag, and the wet clothing is once again subject to rotting or mildew. Ifthe athlete is diligent and removes the mesh bag, air will circulatethrough the mesh material, permitting the wet items to dry. But then thetwo bags must once again be reassembled.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a sports bag designedto transport wet or damp articles enable wet or damp articles storedwithin to dry without being removed from the bag.

[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide a sports bagwhich can be used to transport wet and dirty articles without soilingsurfaces to which the bag comes in contact.

[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide a sports baghaving a top opening for removing and inserting articles which can beeasily opened and closed.

[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide a sports bagwhich can be carried as a backpack to allow easier transport of heavyand/or bulky articles.

[0015] It is a further object of the invention to provide a sports baghaving the above-noted features which is simple and economical tomanufacture.

[0016] The present invention overcomes the difficulties described aboveby providing a sports equipment bag having a water-resistant outer shellwith multiple ventilation assemblies for exposing the interior of thebag to free air circulation. Each ventilation assembly includes anopening formed in the outer shell that is covered by a mesh lining and aflap which can be selectively opened and closed using a zipper. In oneembodiment, the bag includes openings on both sides and both ends of thebag. In an alternate embodiment, the bag includes openings on both sidesonly. In another alternate embodiment, the bag includes an opening atone end and a fan assembly located at the other end. The fan assemblyincludes an electric fan which draws air through the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, aspects, uses, and advantages ofthe present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood from the following detailed description of the presentinvention when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of asports bag with the flaps closed;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inventive sports bag of FIG. 1with the side flaps open;

[0020]FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of a zipper arrangement of theinvention of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sports bag of FIG. 1 fittedwith back-pack straps;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of asports bag with one of the side flaps open;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a perspective end view of a third preferred embodimentof a sports bag with the front end flap open;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective end view of the third preferred embodimentof the sports bag with the back end flap open;

[0025]FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view showing a fan mounted insidethe back end of the third preferred embodiment of the sports bag; and

[0026]FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the fan structure showing itsmounting on the back end of the third preferred embodiment of the sportsbag of the present invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a sports bag 10 is shown. The overallshape of bag 10 is preferably substantially as shown, elongated withroughly square or arcuate ends (FIGS. 2 and 6, respectively), and isparticularly suitable for carrying padding, helmets and other equipmentworn by ice hockey or football players. It should be noted that theinventive concepts disclosed herein with respect to sports bag 10 havemany applications beyond the three disclosed embodiments, such as petcarriers, backpacks, computer bags, suitcases and the like.

[0028] Bag 10 has an outer shell 12 formed of a water-resistantmaterial, such as nylon fabric. Obviously, shell 12 could be formed fromany suitable flexible, water-resistant material, such as vinyl, leatheror DuPont Kevlar® fiber.

[0029] Shell 12 comprises a bottom 14 (FIG. 4), opposed sides 16 and 18,opposed front and back ends 20 and 22, respectively, and a top 24. Frontend 20 is permanently joined with sides 16 and 18 and top 24 by a seam26. Seam 28 similarly joins back end 22 with sides 16 and 18 and top 24.Seams 26 and 28 may comprise reinforced stitching, heat sealed plasticstrips, or any other conventional method of forming corners of bags.

[0030] Bag 10 also includes ventilation assemblies 25, 27, 29 and 31,each of which being substantially similar in function and composition.As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, ventilation assembly 25 is located on side 16and includes a flap 30 which can be selectively opened and closed by azipper 32. Ventilation assembly 27 is located on back end 22 andincludes a flap 39 secured by a zipper 43. Ventilation assembly 29 islocated on side 18 and includes a flap 34 secured by a zipper 36.Ventilation assembly 31 is located on front end 20 and includes a flap38 secured by a zipper 40.

[0031] Bag 10 also includes a lining 42, which can be seen throughopened flaps 30, 34 and 39 in FIG. 2. Lining 42 can be made of anyflexible and durable porous material, for example, expanded mesh fabricsformed from nylon, polyester, DuPont Kevlar® fiber, or combinations ofsuch fibers. Knitted or woven nylon is preferred because of itscombination of low cost and hight tensile strength. Regardless of thefabric used, lining 42 should have openings which are large enough toallow air circulation, but small enough to prevent articles storedinside bag 10 from protruding therethrough.

[0032] The function of lining 42 is to retain articles within bag 10when flaps 30, 34 and 38 are open. Preferably, lining 42 comprisesindividual pieces, each of which cover one of the openings exposed whenflaps 30, 34 and 38 are opened. Lining 42 is fixed around each opening,using stitching or an adhesive, sealing the perimeter against gaps.Alternatively, lining 42 could comprise a single piece of material whichlines the entire interior of shell 12. Mesh lining 42, therefore,completely covers the flap openings, preventing articles stored withinbag 10 from falling out while permitting air to circulate through bag10.

[0033] It is an important feature of the invention that each of theflaps occupy a majority of the surface area, at least 50% and preferablybetween 75-90%, of its respective side or end, for when the flaps areall open, virtually the entire interior of bag 10 is open to theexternal environment. Unlike Moore, Hendon, and Bearman, supra, whonever intended their small vents to provide air circulation for dryingpurposes, the wide open flaps of this invention are designed to promotenatural, virtually unrestricted air flow through bag 10. And, unlike theopen meshes of Mokiao, Sperber, and Masters, which are exposed to harmwhen in transit, the open mesh of lining 42 is protected by the flaps.

[0034] A relatively wide, elongated flap 44 closes most of top 24. Flap44 extends for substantially the entire length of bag 10 and is hingedto end 22 along seam 28. Two parallel zippers 46 and 48 operatesimultaneously to open or to close flap 44 under the action of zipperpulls 50 and 52 (FIG. 3). A rigid leather handle 54 is connected tozipper pulls 50 and 52 and spans the width of flap 44. Being rigid,handle 54 maintains zippers 46 and 48 in proper alignment whichfacilitates their operations. When flap 44 is unzipped and folded back,a large opening is provided into the interior of bag 10 which allowseasy access for the insertion and removal of articles.

[0035] Bag 10 also includes padded straps 108 for carriage of bag 10.Straps 108 may be gripped in one hand and carried horizontally, as isconventional. As shown in FIG. 4, straps 108 are also preferablydesigned to allow bag 10 to be carried in as a backpack (i.e., in avertical position). The user's arm 110 slips through each loop 112 ofstrap 108 to support bag 10 on the shoulders. Straps 114 (FIG. 1) crossthe chest and connect loops 112 to prevent straps 108 from falling offthe shell of the carrier.

[0036] The basic operation of the invention is now apparent. When anathletic contest has ended, the players throw their sweat-soakeduniforms, including shirts, pants, pads, shoes, etc., into bag 10. Whilecarrying it to the bus or car, the flaps remain closed, protecting thearticles within. As soon as is practicable, when bag 10 is at rest, theflaps are opened so that air may circulate freely therethrough to beginthe drying process. Even if the bag is left closed until the ownerthereof arrives home, the bag does not have to be unpacked that night.Opening of the flaps allows items contained therein to dry naturallywithout further concern.

[0037] A second embodiment of the inventive concept discussed above canbe seen in FIG. 5. Bag 56 is a less expensive version of bag 10,comprising only two ventilation assemblies: ventilation assembly 57having a flap 58 secured by a zipper 60 and an identical ventilationassembly (not shown) on the opposite side of bag 56. A single zipper 62closes top 64 which opens to provide access to the interior. Sideopenings, only left side opening 66 being visible, are sufficientlylarge that adequate air flow is provided to dry the equipment locatedtherein.

[0038] FIGS. 6-9 disclose a third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention as bag 68, which is very similar in shape and includes many ofthe same features as bag 10. However, bag 68 includes only oneventilation assembly 69 having a vent 73, a ventilation flap 70 (FIG. 6)secured by a zipper 71. This third embodiment is even more effectivethan bags 10 or 56 at drying articles contained therein, due to theinclusion in back end 74 of a fan assembly 80 (FIG. 7) which includes anelectric fan 76 (shown schematically) built into a wall 78 locatedbeneath a fan flap 72. Fan 76 is preferably a conventional smallelectric fan, such as the type used for cooling a micro-computer.

[0039] Fan 76 is preferably configured to exhaust air outwardly throughfan assembly 80, after drawing air inwardly through ventilation assembly69. Of course, fan 76 could be configured to blow air into bag 68through fan assembly 80, however, the former configuration is preferablebecause it results in greater and more uniform air circulation to theinterior of bag 68.

[0040] In order to further improve the performance of bag 68,ventilation assembly 69 may optionally include a heat transfer unit 123(shown schematically in FIG. 6). Unit 123 is designed to heat the airbeing draw into bag 68 through ventilation assembly 69, therebyexpediting the drying of articles contained therein.

[0041] Due to the fact that the types of articles designed to becontained within bag 68 often emit a somewhat unappealing odor, a pocket121 may be provided for removably retaining a replaceable air freshener(not shown).

[0042] As illustrated in the exploded view in FIG. 9, fan assembly 80comprises a fan 76 which extends through wall 78, shown as double-walledat 82 and 84 for strengthened support for fan 76, and a central aperture86 that opens through an inner supporting ring 88 into a protectivehousing 90. A peripheral flange 92 integral with motor 80 abuts theouter surface (not shown) of wall 84. Housing 90 is rigid to protectmotor 80 from damage and is freely perforated for unrestricted air flowtherethrough. A mesh screen 94 covers the exhaust port of fan 76 toprevent external debris from entering. A supporting ring 96 providesadditional external protection for fan 76 and increases the rigidity ofback end 74 (FIG. 7). When assembled, fan assembly 80 is secured withrivets 97, although any suitable fastener could be substituted forrivets 97. The mounting arrangement of fan assembly 80 ensures that fan76 remains within the interior of bag 68 (FIG. 8) and that no portionprotrudes from back end 74, where it would be prone to damage.

[0043] As the preceding suggests, fan assembly 80 has two primaryfunctions: to retain and protect fan 76. Obviously, many variations ofthe structure of fan assembly 80 are possible, provided that its twoprimary functions are achieved.

[0044] Any convenient means for providing electric current to fan 76 iswithin the scope of the invention. For instance, an electric cord 127(FIG. 7) could be hard-wired to fan 76 on one end and include a plug onthe other end for use with a conventional household outlet (not shown),which would supply 120-volt AC power. Such a cord could be stored in asmall zippered pouch 102 above fan flap 72 . Alternatively, fan 76 couldbe powered by a dry cell battery pack or through an AC/DC adapter (bothnot shown).

[0045] Fan assembly 80 also preferably includes a timer 129, which maybe incorporated into power cord 127, as shown in FIG. 7, or containedwithin fan assembly 80 . When activated, timer 129 preferably turns fan76 on for a pre-determined period of time (e.g., 2, 4 or 6 hours), atwhich time the fan will automatically turn off. This feature ispreferable because it allows fan 76 to dry the articles containedtherein unattended.

[0046] The inventive bags may include many conventional features whichare known in the art. For example, a side pouch 104, shown in FIG. 1 onthe exterior surface of flap 30, may be included. (In this vein, anexterior compartment can be added to any of the flaps, ranging in sizefrom small enough for keys to large enough for tennis racquets or iceskates. Side pouches are preferably sealed, so that dirt and debriswhich temporarily sticks to articles placed therein will not soil theenvironment through which the bag passes.) A small pocket may also belocated on an interior wall (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 1 & 2, loops106 at opposite ends of top 24 may be included as extra handles or tocarry hockey sticks. A removable laundry bag (not shown) may also beincluded to allow smaller items, such as T-shirts and undergarments tobe easily removed from the bag and laundered.

[0047] It is clear from the above that the objects of the invention havebeen fulfilled.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0049] It can be seen from the above that an invention has beendisclosed which fulfills all the objects of the invention. It is to beunderstood, however, that the disclosure is by way of illustration onlyand that the scope of the invention is to be limited solely by thefollowing claims:

I claim as my invention:
 1. A bag, comprising: a shell defining aninterior volume; a fan assembly including an electric fan and means forproviding electric current to said electric fan; a ventilation assemblyincluding a vent, said ventilation assembly being located approximatelyopposite said fan assembly; said electric fan being adapted to draw airinwardly through said vent, through said interior volume, and outwardlythrough said fan assembly.
 2. The bag of claim 1, wherein said shell isformed of a water-resistant material.
 3. The bag of claim 2, whereinsaid water-resistant material comprises nylon.
 4. The bag of claim 1,wherein said shell further comprises a flap, two parallel zippers, and arigid handle attached to both of said zippers, said handle being adaptedto open both of said zippers simultaneously.
 5. The bag of claim 1,wherein said shell further comprises a ventilation flap and means forselectively opening and closing said ventilation flap, said vent beinglocated between said interior volume and said ventilation flap.
 6. Thebag of claim 5, wherein said means for selectively opening and closingsaid ventilation flap comprises a zipper.
 7. The bag claim 1, whereinsaid shell further comprise a fan flap and means for selectively openingand closing said fan flap, said electric fan being located between saidinterior volume and said fan flap.
 8. The bag of claim 7, wherein saidmeans for selectively opening and closing said fan flap comprises azipper.
 9. The bag of claim 1, wherein said fan assembly includes aprotective housing adapted to prevent damage to said electric fan. 10.The bag of claim 1, wherein said means for providing electric current tosaid electric fan comprises at least one dry cell battery.
 11. The bagof claim 1, wherein said means for providing electric current to saidelectric fan comprises a power cord adapted to transmit conventional120-volt household AC current to said electric fan.
 12. The bag of claim1, wherein said fan assembly further comprises a timer for automaticallyturning said fan off after a pre-selected period of time.
 13. The bag ofclaim 12, wherein said preselected period of time comprises 2, 4, or 6hours.
 14. The bag of claim 1, wherein said ventilation assembly furthercomprises a heating unit for heating air drawn through said interiorvolume by said electric fan.
 15. The bag of claim 1, wherein said fanassembly is permanently affixed to said shell.
 16. A bag, comprising: ashell formed of water-resistant material and including, a top, a bottom,and front and back ends, said front and back ends opposing one another,said top, bottom, and front and back ends defining an interior volume,said top including a zippered flap for inserting and removing objectsfrom said interior volume; a ventilation assembly located on said frontend, said ventilation assembly comprising a vent; a fan assembly, saidfan assembly including an electric fan, a protective housing forprotecting said electric fan from damage, and means for providingelectric current to said electric fan, said fan being adapted tocirculate air through said interior volume.
 17. The bag of claim 16,wherein said fan assembly is located on said back end.
 18. The bag ofclaim 16, wherein said means for powering said electric fan comprises apower cord adapted to be plugged into a conventional household outlet.19. The bag of claim 16, wherein said means for powering said electricfan comprises at least one dry cell battery.
 20. The bag of claim 16,wherein said fan assembly further comprises a timer for automaticallyturning said electric fan off after a pre-selected period of time. 21.The bag of claim 16, wherein said electric fan is adapted to draw airinto said interior volume through said ventilation opening and outwardlythrough said fan assembly.
 22. The bag of claim 16, wherein said shellfurther comprises a fan flap formed of water-resistant material andmeans for selectively opening and closing said fan flap, wherein saidelectric fan is located between said fan flap and said interior volumewhen said fan flap is closed.
 23. The bag of claim 22, wherein saidmeans for selectively opening and closing said ventilation flapcomprises a zipper.
 24. The bag of claim 16, wherein said shell furthercomprises a ventilation flap formed of water-resistant material andmeans for selectively opening and closing said ventilation flap, whereinsaid vent is located between said ventilation flap and said interiorvolume when said ventilation flap is closed.
 25. The bag of claim 24,wherein said means for selectively opening and closing said fan flapcomprises a zipper.
 26. The bag of claim 16, wherein said ventilationassembly further comprises a mesh lining covering said vent.
 27. The bagof claim 20, wherein said means for selectively opening and closing saidfan flap comprises a zipper.